Electrically operated matrix game



Oct. 13, 1964 c. McGlNN 3,152,805

ELECTRICALLY OPERATED MATRIX GAME Filed March 4, 1963 I) 1111111 I I I lIEELH IlEL 2 51. 2 2: 1! 74 g M m w Illll W 3 3 6 I NlllHiliiiillllllllamu 1 'i' 4 6/ lllill 'flllllilli INVENTOR ZAU/PE 'VCE C. McG/A/A ORNEYSUnited States Patent ice 3,152,805 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED MATRIX GAMELaurence C. McGinn, 2609 Orchard Drive, Broomall, Pa. Filed Mar. 4,1963, Ser. No. 262,434 2 Claims. (Cl. 273--130) This invention relatesto games and more particularly to a game involving the mathematicaltheory of games.

A purpose of the invention is to provide a game using the mathematicaltheory of games which can be played in an interesting, enjoyable, andentertaining manner.

A further purpose is to simultaneously and spectacularly present thecombined result of the players choices in a game involving horizontalrows and vertical columns.

A further purpose is to utilize an electrical circuit including switchesand lights for row and column indicators.

A further purpose of the game is to eliminate the need for separatenumbered markers to form a matrix.

A further purpose is to eliminate separate indicators for selectingindividual values on a board.

A further purpose is to provide a game which indicates electrically andvisually individual selections.

A further purpose is to use one of a prearranged set of matrixes.

A further purpose is to present a game which can be played rapidly.

A further purpose is to provide a game in which a desired handicap maybe imposed on either player.

A further purpose is to use a preestablished set of payoif matrixeshaving any predetermined mathematical bias.

A further purpose is to enable the players to easily and accuratelyscore.

A further purpose is to use a plurality of preestablished numericalarrays so that the players do not determine the game pattern initially.

A further purpose is to provide a game which can be played on other thana horizontal surface.

A further purpose is to provide matrixes with little or no mathematicalbias, thus emphasizing the element of chance.

A purpose of the invention is to provide an electrical circuit tovisually indicate an individual value on a prearranged matrix.

A further purpose is to enable a player to choose a row or columnrespectively without revealing his choice to an opposing player. 7

A further purpose is to simultaneously present the choice of each of twoopposing players in a matrix which is comprised of a grid of horizontalrows and vertical columns of absolute values.

A further purpose is to light up the result of the individual selectionsof opposing players.

Further purposes appear in the drawings and in the claims.

In the drawings I have chosen to illustrate a few only of the numerousembodiments in which my invention may appear, selecting the forms shownfrom the standpoints of convenience in illustration, satisfactoryoperation and clear demonstration of the principles involved.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the game of the invention with amatrix partially broken away.

FIGURE 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a matrix of the invention.

3,1523% Patented Get. 13, 1964 FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a plurality ofrepresentative alternative matrixes of the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the device of the invention.

Describing in illustration but not in limitation and referring to thedrawings:

The present invention uses the so-called theory of games involvingmathematical probabilities. Broadly speaking, the game consists of anarrangement of numbers in rows and columns in the form of a rectangle,and means for selecting rows or columns.

King US. Patent 2,791,430 shows one embodiment of such a game employingnumbered markers placed on the board by the players and indicators inthe form of spinners for selecting the rows and columns. Preston2,953,379 uses sliders on the edge of the board to indicate rows andcolumns.

In these prior art embodiments, as well as others, the matrix must becreated for each game by the use of separate numbered markers which arein one form or another placed on the board. When a player does notproperly set up his matrix, he is at a distinct disadvantage during theremainder of the game. This often occurs where there is a disparity inthe mathematical background of the players and the game loses much ofits interest. This prerequisite of similar mathematical backgrounds hasimpeded popular acceptance of the game.

A further disadvantage of the prior art embodiments has been the methodof selecting squares. Where selectors separated from the board have beenused, the players must compare selections, and then go to the board tofind the value of their combined choice. This is tedious and timeconsuming, and causes the play to be slow moving. Where the selectorshave been placed right on the board, the first player to make his choicereveals it to the other player, so the game cannot be conducted in theideal manner where the choices of columns and rows are simultaneouslycompared.

The present invention eliminates the need for the players to form amatrix and allows the players to select their combined choice in anexciting, rapid, and damatic manner. However, the present game preservesthe mathematical probability element by utilizing a set of prearrangedmatrixes, each of which selectively weights the arrangement in favor ofone player or the other, or which balances the chances. Neither of theplayers has any knowledge of the choice of the other player so that theselection appears instantaneously to both players. A series ofselections are thus made until one of the players achieves a prearrangednumber of points which constitutes the winner.

The arrangement of an individual matrix is prearranged, but a set issupplied with the game so that a handicap on one player can be createdwhere desired. The matrixes can be of a perfectly neutral type ofarrangement wherein the rows and columns all balance out and do notoffer any advantages or handicaps to either person. On the other hand,one of the matrixes could be Weighted in favor of one of the players.These matrixes could be prepared from an infinite number of arrangementsand these arrangements all possess certain advantages to each player inplaying the game a certain way.

Referring to the drawings, we see a housing 20 suitably rectangularhaving a top 21, ends 22, sides 23 and a bottom 24. A rectangular cavity25 at the top, prefs3 erably square in form, extends to a suitable depthto receive lamps and sockets as later explained.

The cavity 25 is divided by means of partitions 26 into rectangularspaces 27. The spaces 27 form a grid of rows and columns transverselydisposed to one another.

Bottom 28 of the cavity 25 has mounted thereon one in each of the spaces27 a lamp socket 31 and a lamp 32. The sockets are wired to a source ofcurrent as shown in FIGURE and as later explained.

The cavity 25 is covered by a transparent matrix 33 which is subdividedinto vertical columns 34, 35 and 36 and into horizontal rows 37, 38 and40 by suitable division lines 41. The rows and columns of the matrixform a coordinate grid of squares which match the spaces 27, the lines41 lying directly over the partitions 26.

Each of the squares of the matrix have absolute numerical values whichare arranged in a prescribed and predetermined pattern. Indicators 42which in one instance can be arrows 43 are placed in each of the spacesto indicate which of the players is to receive the absolute value ofthat particular space.

In the wiring arrangement as shown in FIGURE 5, a source of current 5tsuch as a battery having leads 51 and 52 is connected through a seriesof switches 53, 54 and 55 controlling the horizontal rows and a seriesof switches 56, 57 and 58 controlling the vertical columns.

The lead 51 connects through normally open switch 55 through lead 51' toone terminal of lamps 6h, 61 and 62 respectively in row 40.

Lead 51 also connects through normally open switch 54 through lead 51 toone terminal respectively of lamps 63, 64 and 65 of horizontal row 38.Lead 51 also connects through normally open switch 5.3 through lead 51to one terminal respectively of lamps 66, 67 and 68 of horizontal row37.

Lead 52 connects through normally open switch 58 through leads 52' toone terminal respectively of lamps 62, 65 and 68 of vertical column 36.Lead 52 also connects, through normally open switch 57 through lead 52to one terminal respectively of lamps 61, 64 and 67 of vertical column35. Lead 52 also connects through normally open switch 56 through lead52 to one terminal respectively of lamps 6t 63 and 66 of vertical column34. Although the switches described are preferably toggle switches, theymay be of any desirable or suitable form such as push button switches orthe like.

The matrixes 33 are predetermined so that any balance can be securedbetween players. For instance, considering the matrix shown in FIGURE 3,the horizontal row 37 has a first value 1 which would go to the playercontrolling at position 30 in the embodiment shown. The value 3 would goto the player controlling the horizontal rows at position 29 and thethird value 2 would go to the player at position 30. Hence, it will beseen that in this particular row each of the players would have a totalof 3, but the player at position 30 would have two chances, whereas theplayer at position 29 would have one chance.

Alternative arrangements of matrixes are shown in FIGURE 4 where forinstance matrixes 71, 72 and 73 are shown. Here the player who scoresthe absolute value of the particular block is indicated by a shadingarrangement where for instance a vertical shading or color on a block 74could indicate that the value of that block is to go to the playerhaving control of the vertical columns at position 30 and a lack ofshading or different color 75 would go to the player having control ofthe horizontal rows at position 2Q. The particular arrangements ofvalues are infinite in number and the matrixes shown are merelyrepresentative. Here, for instance, in horizontal row 37 of matrix 70,player 30 would have a total absolute value of 1, whereas the player atposition 29 would have a total of 5 and two out of three chances ofscoring.

In operation, one player would operate the buttons or switches at 29 anda second player would operate the buttons or switches at 30. Bothplayers would close one of the switches to partially complete a circuitthrough one of the rows or columns which he controls. Each player wouldclose one of the switches without indicating his choice, as for instancecovering the hand activating the switches by the remaining hand, or byplacing a suitable cover, not shown, over the switches. The switchescould also, for instance, be placed on the ends 24-, so that theswitches are not visible to the opposing player.

For instance, if the player at position 30 controlling the verticalcolumns closes switch 57 vertical column 35 would be partiallyenergized. However, the lights in column 67 would not go on and player29 would have no indication of palyer Stls actions. Player 29 would thenselectively energize one of his switches, for instance switch 54. Thiswould partially energize horizontal row 33. At the intersection ofpartially energized vertical column 35 and partially energizedhorizontal row 38 lamp 64 would be completely energized and would glowvisibly illuminating the corresponding matrix square which for instancein the matrix of FIGURE 3 would be the number 2 which would be scored tothe player 30 as shown by the arrow. If, on the other hand, matrix werebeing used, the value 1 would be illuminated and by the color or lack ofshading the value would be scored for the player 29.

It will be seen that it is immaterial as to which of the players firstpartially energizes a row or column since the opposing player has nomeans of ascertaining what has been selected. The first indication ofthe individual selections will be at the time one of the blocks orsquares of the matrix is illuminated and at this point a score is made.

After a combined choice has been made and a value determined, eachplayer reopens all the switches under his control and proceeds withanother selection. A tally is kept of the scores made by each player,and when a player reaches a predetermined number, he is determined thewinner.

It will be seen that the game shown and described will be capable ofbeing played quickly so that interest can be constantly maintainedbetween the parties playing. Furthermore, there are no parts which canget lost such as markers or spinners which are used with a plain surfaceboard. Furthermore, the game provides a fascinating interest to twoparties since psychologically a party will attempt to anticipate whatthe opposing party has in mind. For instance, the opposing party mayconsistently select the same vertical row or column for a great numberof times and then arbitrarily change to a different row or column. Onthe other hand, one of the parties may constantly change so that aninfinite and neverending experiences are achieved throughout a game.

In view of my invention and disclosure, variations and modifications tomeet individual whim or particular need will doubtless become evident toothers skilled in the art, to obtain all or part of the benefits of myinvention without copying the structure shown, and I, therefore, claimall such insofar as they fall within the reasonable spirit and scope ofmy claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. A game apparatus comprising (a) a matrix having a plurality of spacesformed by horizontal rows and vertical columns,

(1)) numbers within the spaces,

(0) indications within the spaces for separating the numbers into twocategories,

(d) a plurality of electric lamps arranged adjacent to the matrix inhorizontal rows and vertical columns to correspond to the horizontalrows and vertical columns of the matrix,

(e) switch means whereby each of two players can select and conditionall of the electric lamps in a horizontal row and a vertical columnrespectively, References Cited in the file of this patent and (1)electrical means for combining the respective con- UNITED STATES PATENTSditioned column and row selections of each of the 2,282,164 Buswen y 5,1942 players by energizing same to illuminate one of the 5 2,953,379Preston. P 20, 1960 electric lamps whereby one of the spaces in the2,994,531 Ebel'weln g- 1, 1961 matrix is designated. FOREIGN PATENTS 2.A game of claim 1, in combination with a plurality of interchangeablematrixes, each of said matrixes having a difierent arrangement ofnumbers within the spaces. 1

328,749 Great Britain May 8, 1930

1. A GAME APPARATUS COMPRISING (A) A MATRIX HAVING A PLURALITY OF SPACES FORMED BY HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS, (B) NUMBERS WITHIN THE SPACES, (C) INDICATIONS WITHIN THE SPACES FOR SEPARATING THE NUMBERS INTO TWO CATEGORIES, (D) A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC LAMPS ARRANGED ADJACENT TO THE MATRIX IN HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS TO CORRESPOND TO THE HORIZONTAL ROWS AND VERTICAL COLUMNS OF THE MATRIX, (E) SWITCH MEANS WHEREBY EACH OF TWO PLAYERS CAN SELECT AND CONDITION ALL OF THE ELECTRIC LAMPS IN A HORIZONTAL ROW AND A VERTICAL COLUMN RESPECTIVELY, AND (F) ELECTRICAL MEANS FOR COMBINING THE RESPECTIVE CONDITIONED COLUMN AND ROW SELECTIONS OF EACH OF THE PLAYERS BY ENERGIZING SAME TO ILLUMINATE ONE OF THE ELECTRIC LAMPS WHEREBY ONE OF THE SPACES IN THE MATRIX IS DESIGNATED. 